Our interdisciplinary team works with families, communities, schools and services to support babies and young children to thrive. Our work combines direct family support, partnership with services, and research to improve outcomes for children.
Leadership
Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the organisation, ensuring our work remains grounded in our mission to support infants, young children, and their families across our catchment area, as well as representing the voice of the infant and child at a city, national and international level.
Katherine is Executive Director of Let’s Grow Together (2020 to present) She was previously the Manager of Young Knocknaheeny Area Based Childhood Programme (2015 to 2020) and 2008 to 2015 she was Manager of NICHE CLG, developing and overseeing innovative community health programmes. She has previously worked in homeless services and in community development and community health services. She is a founding member and former Chairperson of Cork Healthy Cities. She is a member of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) elected by Cork City Public Participation Network. Katherine is current Chair of the National Prevention and Early Intervention Network. She has a background in Social and Political Science, Community Development and Organisational Management. She is committed to creating environments, services and systems in which all children can thrive.
Katherine Harford
Executive Director
Katherine is Executive Director of Let’s Grow Together (2020 to present) She was previously the Manager of Young Knocknaheeny Area Based Childhood Programme (2015 to 2020) and 2008 to 2015 she was Manager of NICHE CLG, developing and overseeing innovative community health programmes. She has previously worked in homeless services and in community development and community health services. She is a founding member and former Chairperson of Cork Healthy Cities. She is a member of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) elected by Cork City Public Participation Network. Katherine is current Chair of the National Prevention and Early Intervention Network. She has a background in Social and Political Science, Community Development and Organisational Management. She is committed to creating environments, services and systems in which all children can thrive.
Sonya has over two decades experience in both accounting and management spanning financial services, computer hardware and software, and the childcare sector. In April 2024, Sonya joined Let’s Grow Together, in the dual capacity of managing both the Finance and Governance functions. In this capacity, she now oversees these functions as well as Human Resources and has leveraged her background to streamline processes, enhance standards, and assisted Let’s Grow Together in meeting its objectives by working closely with the operations team.
Sonya Dawes
Finance and Governance Coordinator
Sonya has over two decades experience in both accounting and management spanning financial services, computer hardware and software, and the childcare sector. In April 2024, Sonya joined Let’s Grow Together, in the dual capacity of managing both the Finance and Governance functions. In this capacity, she now oversees these functions as well as Human Resources and has leveraged her background to streamline processes, enhance standards, and assisted Let’s Grow Together in meeting its objectives by working closely with the operations team.
Trish holds a BSC Nursing and a Master’s in Health Promotion from UCC. She worked in the acute hospital in the early stage of her career but gravitated over time to an early intervention and prevention model of care that encompasses the “whole person” or the Bio/psycho/social model of health. Trish has spent many years supporting caregivers and children in the community through home visiting. Meeting families in their own setting has always been one of the most enjoyable and valuable parts of her work. Trish in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary team, is responsible for integrating IMH principles, and mindset into all the Let’s Grow Together practices and supports. She hopes to build a strong relationship focused way of working within the team, so they can extend that sense of being held and listened to out to the families that they work with in the community. Trish is very interested in the integration of IMH knowledge and practice from the pregnancy stage, through to the early years of a child’s life. This stage is a prime time to nurture children’s social emotional development and a key transition point for the parents and professionals who support them, to become attuned and responsive caregivers. To relax, Trish practices and teaches yoga and gets out into nature to recharge.
Trish Hurley
Infant Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator
Trish holds a BSC Nursing and a Master’s in Health Promotion from UCC. She worked in the acute hospital in the early stage of her career but gravitated over time to an early intervention and prevention model of care that encompasses the “whole person” or the Bio/psycho/social model of health. Trish has spent many years supporting caregivers and children in the community through home visiting. Meeting families in their own setting has always been one of the most enjoyable and valuable parts of her work. Trish in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary team, is responsible for integrating IMH principles, and mindset into all the Let’s Grow Together practices and supports. She hopes to build a strong relationship focused way of working within the team, so they can extend that sense of being held and listened to out to the families that they work with in the community. Trish is very interested in the integration of IMH knowledge and practice from the pregnancy stage, through to the early years of a child’s life. This stage is a prime time to nurture children’s social emotional development and a key transition point for the parents and professionals who support them, to become attuned and responsive caregivers. To relax, Trish practices and teaches yoga and gets out into nature to recharge.
Grace graduated from University College Cork with a BSc Hons in Speech and Language Therapy in 2009. Since then she has gained clinical experience in a variety of paediatric settings. Grace joined Young Knocknaheeny when it was established in 2015, and was seconded from her position as Senior Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) with HSE Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service until December 2019. Grace is passionate about developing the role of SLT in universal, prevention and promotion services to provide accessible information to all parents about how best to support their baby’s communication in the context of their relationship, ensuring a relational approach to meet families where they are at.
Grace Walsh
Speech, Language and Early Years Coordinator (Senior Speech and Language Therapist)
Grace graduated from University College Cork with a BSc Hons in Speech and Language Therapy in 2009. Since then she has gained clinical experience in a variety of paediatric settings. Grace joined Young Knocknaheeny when it was established in 2015, and was seconded from her position as Senior Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) with HSE Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service until December 2019. Grace is passionate about developing the role of SLT in universal, prevention and promotion services to provide accessible information to all parents about how best to support their baby’s communication in the context of their relationship, ensuring a relational approach to meet families where they are at.
Family & Community Support
Most of this team works directly with families through home visiting, as well as delivering groups and workshops that support caregivers and promote children’s social and emotional development. The team also works in partnership with local schools and early years settings, providing mentoring and support to teachers and educators to strengthen whole-school and whole-centre approaches to child wellbeing.
Family Support Team members
Clíona graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick with a B.A (Hons) in Early Childhood Care & Education. Since graduating Clíona has worked in community based Early Years and Family Support services while continuing professional development in areas such as trauma, empowering families and children, child and youth participation and restorative practice. Cliona believes that through working with the whole family unit, better outcomes for the child will be achieved. She believes that empowering and supporting caregivers using a strengths-based approach is key to forming strong relationships and breaking the cycle of trauma and poverty. Clíona is currently pursuing a Masters in Trauma Studies with University College Cork and hopes to use the knowledge and skills gained to make a positive impact on the well-being of families and children at a community level.
Clíona Twohig
Infant and Family Project Worker
Clíona graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick with a B.A (Hons) in Early Childhood Care & Education. Since graduating Clíona has worked in community based Early Years and Family Support services while continuing professional development in areas such as trauma, empowering families and children, child and youth participation and restorative practice. Cliona believes that through working with the whole family unit, better outcomes for the child will be achieved. She believes that empowering and supporting caregivers using a strengths-based approach is key to forming strong relationships and breaking the cycle of trauma and poverty. Clíona is currently pursuing a Masters in Trauma Studies with University College Cork and hopes to use the knowledge and skills gained to make a positive impact on the well-being of families and children at a community level.
Katherine graduated with a B.A (Hons) in Early years and childhood studies from UCC, working in the early years sector before returning to UCC to complete a MSC in Social Policy. Katherine went on to work in a community based Early Intervention centre continuing her professional development in trauma informed care, creative mindfulness and providing practical support to families within the community. Katherine has always been interested in a child’s social and emotional development and the importance of relationships in the Early Years. Katherine is both passionate and committed to the delivery of a high-quality service to the children and families she works with through prevention and early intervention strategies and a strengths-based approach.
Katherine Manley
Infant and Family Project Worker
Katherine graduated with a B.A (Hons) in Early years and childhood studies from UCC, working in the early years sector before returning to UCC to complete a MSC in Social Policy. Katherine went on to work in a community based Early Intervention centre continuing her professional development in trauma informed care, creative mindfulness and providing practical support to families within the community. Katherine has always been interested in a child’s social and emotional development and the importance of relationships in the Early Years. Katherine is both passionate and committed to the delivery of a high-quality service to the children and families she works with through prevention and early intervention strategies and a strengths-based approach.
Jennifer graduated with a BSc. Hons Degree in Speech and Language Therapy in 2010 at UCC. Since, Jennifer has worked in a variety of areas, including with adolescents and young adults in an education centre, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), CAMHS and a Child Development Service in New Zealand. Jennifer also spent 6 years working as a researcher in UCC, working with children with speech and language disorders and children with spina bifida. Jennifer joined Let’s Grow Together in 2021 to help provide a community service that promotes communication skills in infants and young children and the importance of parent-child interactions. Jennifer appreciates the value of research and using an evidence-based approach when working with families.
Jennifer Harte
Speech and Language Therapist
Jennifer graduated with a BSc. Hons Degree in Speech and Language Therapy in 2010 at UCC. Since, Jennifer has worked in a variety of areas, including with adolescents and young adults in an education centre, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), CAMHS and a Child Development Service in New Zealand. Jennifer also spent 6 years working as a researcher in UCC, working with children with speech and language disorders and children with spina bifida. Jennifer joined Let’s Grow Together in 2021 to help provide a community service that promotes communication skills in infants and young children and the importance of parent-child interactions. Jennifer appreciates the value of research and using an evidence-based approach when working with families.
Ellen has 20 years’ experience working with families and children through the early years sector and voluntary community roles. She graduated from the University of East London in 2019 with a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. Her career in Ireland has included roles in early years management and curriculum development. She also worked in Germany for nine years as a Deputy Head of Kindergarten and Kindergarten teacher in international schools. Throughout her roles, she has delivered training and development events to both families and professionals, with the aim of developing partnerships with families and supporting all caregivers to recognize their strengths, feel confident and reach their full potential in the lives of young children.
Ellen Lucey
Infant and Family Project Worker
Ellen has 20 years’ experience working with families and children through the early years sector and voluntary community roles. She graduated from the University of East London in 2019 with a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. Her career in Ireland has included roles in early years management and curriculum development. She also worked in Germany for nine years as a Deputy Head of Kindergarten and Kindergarten teacher in international schools. Throughout her roles, she has delivered training and development events to both families and professionals, with the aim of developing partnerships with families and supporting all caregivers to recognize their strengths, feel confident and reach their full potential in the lives of young children.
Catherine holds a Certificate in Counselling Skills and a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from MTU. She has a strong passion for child development, with a particular interest in attachment, bonding, and the relational aspects that shape a child’s early experiences. With many years of experience as a domestic violence support worker and court accompaniment worker, Catherine has witnessed the profound impact that domestic abuse can have on a developing child. This experience has deepened her commitment to raising awareness about childhood trauma and to supporting both children and parents in navigating and overcoming adversity through a compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgemental approach. Catherine is a strong advocate for continuous personal and professional growth, and she brings extensive experience and training as a facilitator to her work. Catherine is a passionate martial arts coach with over 20 years’ experience teaching children of all backgrounds and abilities. Catherine believes that no child should be left behind, regardless of their physical abilities, neurodiversity, cultural background, or socioeconomic status.
Catherine O'Sullivan
Infant and Family Project Worker
Catherine holds a Certificate in Counselling Skills and a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from MTU. She has a strong passion for child development, with a particular interest in attachment, bonding, and the relational aspects that shape a child’s early experiences. With many years of experience as a domestic violence support worker and court accompaniment worker, Catherine has witnessed the profound impact that domestic abuse can have on a developing child. This experience has deepened her commitment to raising awareness about childhood trauma and to supporting both children and parents in navigating and overcoming adversity through a compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgemental approach. Catherine is a strong advocate for continuous personal and professional growth, and she brings extensive experience and training as a facilitator to her work. Catherine is a passionate martial arts coach with over 20 years’ experience teaching children of all backgrounds and abilities. Catherine believes that no child should be left behind, regardless of their physical abilities, neurodiversity, cultural background, or socioeconomic status.
School & Early Years Support
Arhonda has a background in Early Years Settings, Family and Community Work, as well as in Homeless Services. Arhonda has studied Early Childhood Care and Education and continued her studies in International Development and Human Rights at University College Cork where she subsequently completed an MA in Women’s Studies. Arhonda is currently a PhD Candidate in UCC's School of Applied Social Studies and was awarded a full scholarship. As Schools Community Support Worker, Arhonda is passionate about parent and caregiver participation within their child's education and the strengthening of relationships with and between parents, caregivers and educators.
Arhonda Lynch
Schools Community Support Worker
Arhonda has a background in Early Years Settings, Family and Community Work, as well as in Homeless Services. Arhonda has studied Early Childhood Care and Education and continued her studies in International Development and Human Rights at University College Cork where she subsequently completed an MA in Women’s Studies. Arhonda is currently a PhD Candidate in UCC's School of Applied Social Studies and was awarded a full scholarship. As Schools Community Support Worker, Arhonda is passionate about parent and caregiver participation within their child's education and the strengthening of relationships with and between parents, caregivers and educators.
Aoife holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Master of Social Science in Social Policy (Children and Young People). Since 2019, she has worked directly with babies, toddlers, and young children in early years settings. Since 2021, she has also contributed to teaching and research as a research assistant and part-time lecturer on the Early Years and Childhood Studies programme at University College Cork. Aoife is currently a third year PhD student in the School of Applied Social Studies at UCC. Her doctoral research explores the impact of inspection processes on children’s voices and participation rights in early years settings. She is particularly passionate about slow, relational pedagogical approaches and is committed to creating empowering environments where all children’s voices - however they are expressed - are heard, respected, and make a meaningful impact. Aoife’s blend of practice experience and academic research informs her reflective, child-centred and evidence-based approach to her role as Early Years Mentor.
Aoife Lynch
Early Years Mentor
Aoife holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Master of Social Science in Social Policy (Children and Young People). Since 2019, she has worked directly with babies, toddlers, and young children in early years settings. Since 2021, she has also contributed to teaching and research as a research assistant and part-time lecturer on the Early Years and Childhood Studies programme at University College Cork. Aoife is currently a third year PhD student in the School of Applied Social Studies at UCC. Her doctoral research explores the impact of inspection processes on children’s voices and participation rights in early years settings. She is particularly passionate about slow, relational pedagogical approaches and is committed to creating empowering environments where all children’s voices - however they are expressed - are heard, respected, and make a meaningful impact. Aoife’s blend of practice experience and academic research informs her reflective, child-centred and evidence-based approach to her role as Early Years Mentor.
Service Development & Model Expansion
This team member supports the growth and development of the Let’s Grow Together model, helping expand home visiting and early childhood supports into new communities while maintaining quality and fidelity to the model.
Tracie has over 10 years’ experience working in community development, health, and early intervention projects in Cork city. In her senior role within the organisation, she supports the development and delivery of evidence-informed services that promote the social and emotional wellbeing of infants, young children, and their families. Tracie is committed to reflective practice and continuous professional development. She has completed reflective practice supervision and has been inducted as an Infant Family Specialist (IMH-E) through the Irish Association for Infant Mental Health (IAIMH). She is passionate about empowering caregivers to recognise their strengths and support their child’s social and emotional development.
Tracie Lane
Home Visiting Support Lead
Tracie has over 10 years’ experience working in community development, health, and early intervention projects in Cork city. In her senior role within the organisation, she supports the development and delivery of evidence-informed services that promote the social and emotional wellbeing of infants, young children, and their families. Tracie is committed to reflective practice and continuous professional development. She has completed reflective practice supervision and has been inducted as an Infant Family Specialist (IMH-E) through the Irish Association for Infant Mental Health (IAIMH). She is passionate about empowering caregivers to recognise their strengths and support their child’s social and emotional development.
HSE Psychology Partnership Team
Working in partnership with the HSE, this team provides specialist psychological expertise to support early childhood mental health and strengthen collaboration between community and health services.
Suzanne graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology with a B.A. (Hons) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Since graduating Suzanne has worked in a range of social care settings; working with children in care, domestic violence support services and in family support. She has a keen interest in offering prevention and early intervention strategies to families, infants and children to support them to break intergenerational cycles of trauma and poverty and to support child development. Suzanne works at the project full time.
Suzanne Rigby
Infant Family Project Leader (HSE Primary Care Psychology Partnership)
Suzanne graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology with a B.A. (Hons) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Since graduating Suzanne has worked in a range of social care settings; working with children in care, domestic violence support services and in family support. She has a keen interest in offering prevention and early intervention strategies to families, infants and children to support them to break intergenerational cycles of trauma and poverty and to support child development. Suzanne works at the project full time.
Ciara holds both Masters and Bachelor's degrees in Applied Psychology from UCC. Ciara has a passion for supporting early attachment, bonding, and infant mental health, recognising that these provide the foundations for lifelong wellbeing. Ciara previously worked in a children’s disability service which embraced a strengths-based approach, empowering families by focusing on their existing abilities and resources. Ciara is committed to building trusting relationships with parents and caregivers, promoting positive early experiences, and supporting children’s developmental potential. Ciara is dedicated to working in partnership with families, ensuring that they feel heard, valued and supported.
Ciara Gordon
Infant and Family Project Worker (HSE Primary Care Psychology Partnership)
Ciara holds both Masters and Bachelor's degrees in Applied Psychology from UCC. Ciara has a passion for supporting early attachment, bonding, and infant mental health, recognising that these provide the foundations for lifelong wellbeing. Ciara previously worked in a children’s disability service which embraced a strengths-based approach, empowering families by focusing on their existing abilities and resources. Ciara is committed to building trusting relationships with parents and caregivers, promoting positive early experiences, and supporting children’s developmental potential. Ciara is dedicated to working in partnership with families, ensuring that they feel heard, valued and supported.
Operations & Programme Support
These team members supports the day-to-day running of Let’s Grow Together, providing administrative, reporting, and programme coordination support that helps ensure services run smoothly for families and partner services.
Jessie has an MSc in Neuroscience. She has worked at a paediatric rehabilitation centre in Canada, where she coordinated the research programme. Jessie also has a Higher Diploma in Social Policy from UCC. She is responsible for overseeing the research, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities at Let’s Grow Together. This includes: coordinating the Research Advisory Group and promoting research; working with other Area Based Childhood Programmes to monitor family outcomes; and reporting on our programmes, activities, and outcomes. Jessie aims to ensure best evidence is used to guide our programmes and services, and that our families receive the best possible experiences with us.
Jessie Shea
Information and Reporting Officer
Jessie has an MSc in Neuroscience. She has worked at a paediatric rehabilitation centre in Canada, where she coordinated the research programme. Jessie also has a Higher Diploma in Social Policy from UCC. She is responsible for overseeing the research, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities at Let’s Grow Together. This includes: coordinating the Research Advisory Group and promoting research; working with other Area Based Childhood Programmes to monitor family outcomes; and reporting on our programmes, activities, and outcomes. Jessie aims to ensure best evidence is used to guide our programmes and services, and that our families receive the best possible experiences with us.
Noah recently graduated from Bsc International Development in UCC. For many years, they have been active in groups fighting for housing issues, children's rights, and climate justice. They are responsible for overseeing the research, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities at Let’s Grow Together. Noah aims to ensure best evidence is used to guide our programmes and services, and that our families receive the best possible experiences with us.
Noah Hawthorn
Information and Reporting Officer
Noah recently graduated from Bsc International Development in UCC. For many years, they have been active in groups fighting for housing issues, children's rights, and climate justice. They are responsible for overseeing the research, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities at Let’s Grow Together. Noah aims to ensure best evidence is used to guide our programmes and services, and that our families receive the best possible experiences with us.
Joanne provides Administration Support to the management and Interdisciplinary team in Let’s Grow Together and has over 15 years of experience working as an Administrator in various organisations. Joanne is passionate about the wellbeing and welfare of children and partipates in a number of local community projects.
Joanne Murphy
Administration Assistant
Joanne provides Administration Support to the management and Interdisciplinary team in Let’s Grow Together and has over 15 years of experience working as an Administrator in various organisations. Joanne is passionate about the wellbeing and welfare of children and partipates in a number of local community projects.
Carol is the Administrative Assistant at Let's Grow Together, where she supports the team and ensures the smooth running of daily tasks. Holding a Master's in Interactive Media from University College Cork (UCC) and a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing, Carol brings over 15 years of experience in administrative support. She is committed to assisting the organization in every capacity, striving to enhance the client experience and optimise processes for seamless service delivery.
Carol Craig
Administration Assistant
Carol is the Administrative Assistant at Let's Grow Together, where she supports the team and ensures the smooth running of daily tasks. Holding a Master's in Interactive Media from University College Cork (UCC) and a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing, Carol brings over 15 years of experience in administrative support. She is committed to assisting the organization in every capacity, striving to enhance the client experience and optimise processes for seamless service delivery.
Ciara graduated from University College Cork in 2023 and holds a B.A (Hons) in Public Health Science. During her time in college, she worked with Recovery Ireland where she carried out public health research on interventional programmes to improve physical and mental well-being. Since graduating, she has worked for the HSE and has experience working on paediatric wards where she aimed to make a positive impact on clinical administration for multidisciplinary teams. She has a strong interest in both public health research and health promotion. Ciara is the Administrative Co-ordinator for the Kidscope clinic with Dr Louise Gibson, she focuses on improving clinic processes and enhancing operational activity.
Ciara Hegarty
Kidscope Administrative Co-ordinator
Ciara graduated from University College Cork in 2023 and holds a B.A (Hons) in Public Health Science. During her time in college, she worked with Recovery Ireland where she carried out public health research on interventional programmes to improve physical and mental well-being. Since graduating, she has worked for the HSE and has experience working on paediatric wards where she aimed to make a positive impact on clinical administration for multidisciplinary teams. She has a strong interest in both public health research and health promotion. Ciara is the Administrative Co-ordinator for the Kidscope clinic with Dr Louise Gibson, she focuses on improving clinic processes and enhancing operational activity.
